Out for revenge: STA looks to finish the job in '09

Friday

Aug 28, 2009 at 3:15 AMAug 28, 2009 at 9:20 AM

By Adam White

DOVER — Senior tri-captain Ross Suleski doesn't shy away from discussing last year's double-overtime loss to Hanover in the Class I championship. That's because its made him, and the entire 2009 St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys soccer team incredibly focused on winning the school's first title since 1994.

"Oh man, it took me a while to get past that," Suleski said of the defeat. "It's been in the back of my mind throughout winter and spring — but now we finally have the chance to redeem ourselves. Honestly, I don't think I'll fully be over that loss until we get back to the championship and win it."

Despite the heartbreaking finish, 2008 was a great season for St. Thomas. The Saints enjoyed an undefeated regular season, finished 18-1-1, and had many players excel on the pitch. Goalkeeper Ken Grade finished with the best goals against average in Class I, while Ross Suleski led Class I in points with 29 (15 goals 14 assists). Coach Scott Suleski also earned Class I Coach of the Year.

As the Saints now eagerly await the start of the 2009 season, they are constantly pushed by last year's disappointing finish.

"It's tough to talk about that loss to Hanover," said goalie Ken Grade. "Last year's team was really good, and for the season to end the way it did was unfortunate. But, it's definitely served as the perfect motivation for this year. We learned that we need to work even harder in the preseason, and that there's always room for improvement."

While their sights are set on capturing Class I hardware this season, just making it back to the championship will be a challenge in itself. The Saints lost 11 seniors to graduation, including their captains from a year ago: Zac Joosten, Byron Greenwood, and Taylor MacDonald.

"It's tough replacing the type of talent that we lost," coach Scott Suleski said. "Last year's team was not only very talented, but they also worked incredibly well with each other. I think that will be the biggest challenge for this year's team — finding the type of chemistry that great teams have. Will they be on the same page in terms of passing, will they make the right decisions? It takes some teams a while to find the right chemistry, but last year's team found it early on. We'll see what happens this year. I know we've got a strong core, and we should be contenders."

Three of the biggest reasons why the Saints should be contenders again in 2009 are their tri-captains: Suleski, Grade, and Doug Crow. Suleski terrorizes goalies up front as a striker, Grade protects the net and helps run the defense, and Crow controls midfield play with his shiny gold cleats.

Throughout their careers at STA, all three have consistently shown the ability to impact a game.

"Those guys are our captains for a reason," coach Suleski said. "They lead by example, and they're always working hard to improve. Those are qualities you want from your leaders."

Whether it was setting up key postseason goals, or dazzling opponents in the midfield, Crow has exhibited the knack for making big plays.

"Doug is the master of the midfield," coach Suleski said. "He's one of those players that is always working to get better, and you'll never out hustle him."

In fact, Crow hasn't stopped working to get better since the loss to Hanover.

"I've been playing soccer non-stop since the season ended last year," Crow said. "The thought of revenge has definitely been fueling me all offseason."

Crow has also established himself as a team leader.

"Being a team captain is something I'm taking really seriously," he said. "It's something to be proud of, but it's also a big responsibility. The three of us (captains) are going to do everything we can to help this team run smoothly, and eventually win a state championship. There are going to be tough moments throughout the season, but if we all just stay together, and stay focused, we can get through them."

In the past two seasons Grade has recorded 14 shutouts for the Saints. Making it even more impressive is the fact that he alternated starts his sophomore year.

"Having Kenny on your team gives you great confidence," Ross Suleski said. "You know he's going to come up with big saves, and you know it's going to be tough for the other team to beat him."

"I just try to stay focused on the ball, and in the moment," Grade said. "I'm always into the game, and I have a strong mentality out there. I don't want you to beat me."

Rounding out the trio is Suleski, Class I's leading point scorer in 2008. After his great season a year ago, Suleski now has a chance at the 100-point milestone. But does he care?

"It's not really a big deal to me," Suleski said. "If I get to 100 (points) that'd be cool, but I'm only focusing on team achievements right now. I'm just thinking about doing everything I can to help our team win a championship."

The Saints depth will also be an advantage this season.

"We're solid all the way down our bench this year," Crow said. "Everyone is capable of making positive contributions."

Another strength be defense. Senior Niko Rignoli and junior Mike Fort return in front of Grade, providing the Saints with great skill and experience in the back end.

"Those two do a great job," said Grade of Fort and Rignoli. "They handle the ball really well, they make smart decisions, and they're always where they need to be. They never let down either. It's huge having them back."

While the Saints fate is yet to be decided, two things are certain, according to their coach.

"No one wants it more than they do," Scott Suleski said. "And no one's been working harder to get there."

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